Pattaya is known for its sun, beaches fun. It is also known as the sin city and has a vibrant nightlife. There are two main gay areas in Pattaya--the older Boyztown, and the young and up-coming, Sunee Plaza, the notorious heart of the city. Between the two, you get a bit of everything there, from beer pubs to gogo bars to wonderful hotels, guesthouses and restaurants. The Plaza even boats a swimming pool for lazy afternoons. This place offers a proudly offers the kind of hedonistic scene that ha...
Pattaya is known for its sun, beaches fun. It is also known as the sin city and has a vibrant nightlife. There are two main gay areas in Pattaya--the older Boyztown, and the young and up-coming, Sunee Plaza, the notorious heart of the city. Between the two, you get a bit of everything there, from beer pubs to gogo bars to wonderful hotels, guesthouses and restaurants. The Plaza even boats a swimming pool for lazy afternoons. This place offers a proudly offers the kind of hedonistic scene that has sometimes diminished in European cities such as Amsterdam and Prague as gay life as assimilated there.
Transportation and location
Pattaya is about 100 km South of Bangkok. It is much visited by Bangkok residents who come down on holidays and weekends to take advantage of the sea and sand. For visitors and tourists, Suvarnabhumi airport (Bangkok) is only 90 minutes North by taxi and gets you to the area quickly and easily. There are frequent bus and rail services into the area too.
Local culture
Homosexuality in Thailand is accepted and open. Same-sex pairs have no problem showing affection. Ordinary "straight" Thai men sometimes have "ladyboy" partners and this is considered normal. The whole ladyboy scene is something that has to be experienced to be fully understood. It is stated that there are three sexes in Thailand male, female and ladyboy. Sunee Plaza is frequented by visitors both from Thailand and abroad looking to check out this thriving scene.
Middle-aged to older foreign gay men and couples are settling in the town. Of course, the local boys come to make a few extra dollars from gay tourists and locals. Most are harmless, just looking for free drinks, a good time, and a few extra dollars "for the taxi ride home." Remember that prostitution, while tolerated and the foundation of the city, is illegal. The age of consent is 18, and Thai authorities vigorously prosecute cases of statuatory rape.
When is best to visit?
November to April is high season, culminated in the Winter holiday season around Christmans and New Year. The Plaza is teaming with life. The weather is perfect, everyone's out for fun.